AN 2021 Best of Products Awards by The Architect's Newspaper

E D I T O R’ S N O T E

We’re happy to announce the winners for the 2021 Best of Product Awards, one of our best ever. As always, this year’s recipients comprise building products of all types, ranging from architectural lighting and decorative hardware to cladding solutions and design and construction software. This breadth of coverage—31 categories in all—attests to the complex, yet interconnected nature of the AEC industry, a quality noted by our excellent jurors (see opposite). Each was given a product type that best aligned with their expertise, ensuring that the most deserving submissions were awarded accordingly (using “winners” and “honorable mentions” designations). The Architect’s Newspaper editors ratified their selections and then chose picks of their own to complete the process. Seeing how eventful that past 18 or so months have been, it’s interesting to compare the 2021 awards with the 2020 edition. Last year, AN introduced categories that spoke to a time of uncertainty, before COVID-19 vaccines had been developed and at a time when the best defenses against spreading the virus (apart from masks) were hand-washing and social distancing. Hygienic surfaces remained a big category in 2021, as did products—apps as well as building materials—geared to customization and residential design. Still, one senses a subtle shift in tone in the winning submissions. Reading through the product descriptions, they strike a less anxious note and emphasize more conventional design desiderata; i.e., comfort, function, and aesthetics. On this point, the return of industry trade shows—beginning with Salone Del Mobile in September and NeoCon earlier this month—has surely had a marked effect. Texture is among the trends exhibited by the winners, with several interior products favoring a variegated look and (seemingly) rough feel. Several manufacturers offered customizable color schemes for their wares, though calming greens and earth tones appeared to rise to the top. Safety exerts a big influence over the residential categories—no surprise here, seeing how much more time people are spending in their homes these days. For the same reason, awards for submissions falling under the “outdoor” rubric were among this year’s most striking. Be it park and patio furnishings or collapsible openings, designers clearly have the outdoors on their minds. Don’t we all. Of course, this is but a small sampling of this year’s award recipients. Flip through the following pages to fully immerse yourself. And then join us in toasting the honorees!

All images courtesy the jurors

Sandeep Ahuja

Stephen Burks

Odile Hainaut

Alloy Kemp

Co-founder and CEO Cove Tool, Inc.

Principal Stephen Burks Man Made

Co-founder WantedDesign

Senior associate Thornton Tomasetti

Adrian Madlener Market editor The Architect’s Newspaper

Samuel Medina

Executive editor The Architect’s Newspaper

Christiana Moss Principal Studio Ma

Chris O’Hara

Founding principal Studio NYL

Claire Pijoulat

Ken Smith

Margaret Sullivan

Jonathan Tate

Co-founder WantedDesign

Principal Ken Smith Workshop

Principal Margaret Sullivan Studio

Tom Wiscombe Principal Tom Wiscombe Architecture

Founding principal Office of Jonathan Tate

J U R Y

EDITOR’S NOTE

JURY

WINNERS

8 Interior Finishes & Surfaces Decorative Lighting & Electrical

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

9 Residential Furnishings Textiles 10 Kitchen Appliances & Plumbing Bathroom Appliances & Plumbing 11 Hygienic Surfaces Decorative Hardware 12 Architectural Hardware Paint & Coatings 13 Outdoor Furnishings Outdoor Finishes & Surfaces 14 Commercial Furnishings Custom Acoustics

17 Architectural & Commercial Lighting & Electrical Outdoor Finishes & Surfaces 18 Windows Doors 20 Safety Openings Cladding 21 Roofing Facade Structural Systems 22 Timber Building Materials Glass 24 Weather Barriers, Air Barriers, & Insulation HVAC Appliances 25 Planning & Management S oftware Smart Building, Smart Home, & Automation Systems Design & Construction Software 27

HONORABLE MENTIONS

EDITORS’ PICKS

THANK YOUS

16 Electrical Systems Outdoor Lighting & Electrical

Cover image: Mixu for Arper (Salva Lopez/Courtesy Arper) Above: Verde Fantastico from Fiandre (Courtesy Fiandre)

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M A S T H E A D

WINNERS

Courtesy Vibia

R I E D N E W: ER AME NORTH RI IN W ISCO CA N SIN

Toni Park, Augsburg, Germany | Goldbeck

INTERIOR FINISHES & SURFACES Silestone Sunlit Days Cosentino

cosentino.com

“It is encouraging and near revelatory to see such a ubiquitous product reimagined around an environmental position, especially as thorough as this. And to do it while offering a series of finish options that make it a standout in an otherwise staid product category. Remarkably well done on two critical fronts for our industry.” —Jonathan Tate

DECORATIVE LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL Fienile Suspension Luceplan Designed by Daniel Rybakken, Fienile Suspension incorporates a powerful LED light to illuminate the underlying plane to integrate into any environment. The lamp directs nonglaring light downward and upward with 360-degree rotation. Two suspensions can be linked together with a single power cord without compromising freedom of movement. The aluminum suspension is available in white and dark gray colorways and in multiple configurations. luceplan.com

Top: Courtesy Cosentino; Bottom: Courtesy Luceplan

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

Sunlit Days is the quartz surfaces and engineered stone industry’s first carbon-neutral collection. To reach this milestone, Cosentino is offsetting CO² emissions for the series’ entire life cycle. Created with HybriQ technology, the collection also uses 99 percent reused water, 100 percent renewable electric energy, and 20 percent recycled raw materials in its composition. This new formula significantly reduces the presence of crystalline silica—important for manufacturers—while maintaining the brand’s renowned performance features and price point. Sunlit Days is the result of more than 1,200 hours of testing and a $12 million investment by Cosentino.

RESIDENTIAL FURNISHINGS Lamé The Davani Group Designed by INC Architecture & Design, in collaboration with DAVANI, the Lamé series of nesting, occasional, and dining tables is characterized by expressive shapes, a singular material gesture, and structural daring. Named after the mathematician who pioneered curvilinear coordinates, Gabriel Lamé, the series is at once precise and gestural, simple and sensuous. Developed as functional sculpture, the organic silhouettes of these deceptively simple tables have been rendered with an abstract clarity that is meant to balance natural and nurtured form.

Top: Courtesy The Davani Group; Bottom: Courtesy Sunbrella Contract

thedavanigroup.com

“In line with the latest trends in furniture design— be it from the collectible or contract sectors—these organic, flat-pack, and natural stone tables cut a striking profile.” —Adrian Madlener

TEXTILES Sunbrella Contract and United Fabrics Reflections Collection Sunbrella Contract Reflections is the second contract upholstery collection from Sunbrella Contract and United Fabrics, designed to help professionals discover new opportunities for peaceful and functional spaces. The collection features 30 new fabrics in tactile textures and coordinating colors that are ideal for commercial environments. Reflections complements its predecessor, Origins, as well as other fabrics within the existing textile portfolio. The patterns in this collection evoke feelings of serenity while honoring design elements that are increasingly conscious of new demands for commercial environments. Engineered to hold its vibrant color even in high-traffic spaces, Reflections is durable, stain-resistant, bleach-cleanable, and comfortable, with fabrics that feature soft yarns and bold design. commercial.sunbrella.com

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

KITCHEN APPLIANCES & PLUMBING 24-inch Combination Steam Oven Fisher & Paykel

fisherpaykel.com

“Home bakers know how difficult it is to get a crisp, crackly crust on baguettes and sourdough loaves using conventional ovens. This oven ensures you’ll be turning out bakery-quality breads in no time. For the gluten-averse, there are several cooking functions to choose from.” —Samuel Medina

BATHROOM APPLIANCES & PLUMBING SensoWash Starck f Duravit While at first glance SensoWash Starck f looks like a super attractive but still conventional toilet, it is in fact a highly evolved designer shower-toilet, housing all shower-toilet and toilet functions within a pristine, minimal ceramic body. The flat seat and white cover form a flush fitting unit, with the technology discreetly hidden away. Operated via a remote control or smartphone app, it allows users to easily program profile settings for maximum comfort. This bold new shower-toilet design expands Duravit’s range of industry-leading offerings, allowing for greater design flexibility and enhanced hygiene in the bathroom. duravit.us

Top: Courtesy Fisher & Paykel; Bottom: Duravit

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

The new 2021 Combination Steam Oven offers one of the largest cavity capacities on the market, an integrated water tank, and a TFT touch screen interface for ease of use. With 22 steam and oven functions, in addition to a cleaning function, the new oven offers nine new functions, including sous vide and crisp regenerate. With its easy-to-use, intuitive display, the Combination Steam Oven is designed to fit seamlessly in the kitchen and fits flush with cabinetry to minimize gaps and add to a cohesive aesthetic. The sophisticated design and stainless-steel finish bring an element of luxury to the kitchen space.

HYGIENIC SURFACES Formica Laminate Antimicrobial Collection Formica Corporation As a result of the COVID-19 virus, there is increased market demand for antimicrobial surfaces. In response, the Formica Corporation launched this new laminate collection featuring antimicrobial surface protection. The curated collection of solid colors, patterns, and woodgrains includes some of the company’s best-selling laminates with an embedded BioCote antimicrobial additive for increased surface protection. The collection uses BioCote’s safe, effective silver ion technology, which is designed to protect against the negative effects of odor causing and staining microbes like bacteria and fungi.

Top: Courtesy Formica; Bottom: Courtesy Datacolor

formica.com

“Antimicrobial surfaces have become the norm in the past two years. Formica not only ensured that this collection meets the strictest protection standards, but also went the extra mile, providing a full range of colors and finishes to select from.” —Adrian Madlener

PAINT & COATINGS ColorReader EZ Datacolor The Bluetooth-enabled ColorReader EZ device works with its robust ColorReader mobile app to accurately match a color scanned from any flat surface and provide the three closest paint colors from leading paint manufacturers. By tapping the color match, users can find complementary colors and explore entire room color palettes, removing any uncertainty about color coordination. Color matches and palettes can be easily saved, then organized by project, room, client. It’s simple to then share these colors and palettes with contractors, paint stores, clients, staff, anyone! Color data for matched colors such as CIE LAB, RGB, and Hex color values are also available. datacolor.com

“This intelligent tool takes the guesswork out of identifying often elusive interior paint colors. It also reduces the need for excessive swatches and waste associated with that practice.” —Adrian Madlener

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

COMMERCIAL FURNISHINGS Mixu Designed by Arper in Collaboration with Gensler

arper.com

“We appreciated the responsible approach of the brand in choosing postindustrial recycled plastic and other recycled materials and allowing modularity and versatility. The design is pure and simple, and it’s all about customization and playing with colors and finishes. That seems to be the correct design response to what is needed now in the contract world.” —Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat

CUSTOM ACOUSTICS AuralScapes Acoustic Wall Panels modularArts This year modularArts introduced its new AuralScapes Acoustic Wall Panels. Available in four distinct surface designs and a variety of colors, the rigid felt baffles create sculptural, sound absorbent topographies. Maximum sound control is achieved with parabolic ridges at the base between these baffles. The built-in ridges are designed to reflect sound into the absorbent baffles. Surface designs are continuous, so they can be applied to an area of any size. Like all modularArts wall panels, AuralScapes panels accurately interlock for precise alignment and attach to any substrate (typically drywall). Panel joints require only caulking at the seams. modulararts.com

“This is a very smart modular acoustic product system designed with a set of variations that allow a designer to create customized patterns over large surface areas. The variations are interesting and seem suited to a wide variety of contemporary architectural applications.” —Adrian Madlener

Top: Salva Lopez/Courtesy Arper; Bottom: Courtesy modularArts

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

Mixu is a sustainable and versatile collection of chairs and stools that can be customized to suit the needs of any context, environment, or desire. The seat, backrest, and base can be personalized with myriad color and material combinations to create a silhouette whose softly rounded geometric curves and minimal gesture provide a perfect canvas for material expression. The Mixu family is thoughtfully designed with the broadest range of commercial and residential applications in mind.

modulararts.com

206.788.4210

Made in the U.S.A.

ZELLE

CRUSH

FLO

DRIFT

DUNE

coming soon

Introducing AuralScapes® Acoustic Wall Panels, now available in five distinct topographies and various colors. Parabolic ridges between the baffles diffuse and reflect sound into the absorbent material. Continuous designs allow infinite repeat for any size wall. These EZ-Seam™ panels interlock for precise alignment and require only caulking between the joints.

OUTDOOR FINISHES & SURFACES Precision Patina Zahner

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

azahner.com

OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS Upfit 2.0 Landscape Forms Upfit is a new approach to outdoor destinations, eliminating many of the barriers involved in creating useful and dynamic outdoor landscapes. The adaptive outdoor structure system uses flexible, modular design to transform a wide variety of spaces into tailored destinations that support a connection to nature while providing the specific functionality and desired amenities to elevate the everyday usability of the outdoors. Upfit gives designers the unique tools to look at underutilized and in-between spaces through a new lens, uncovering latent potential and providing new value for their users. landscapeforms.com

“Landscape Forms introduced the first iteration of Upfit some years before the pandemic made people conscious of their work environments, the air that gets pumped into them, airborne contagion, and so on. That is to say, the design was a good deal prescient. The latest upgrade builds on the earlier model now that everyone has caught up.” —Samuel Medina

Top: Courtesy Zahner; Bottom: Courtesy Landscape Forms

Precision Patina combines an expertise in patination with the precise control of robotics. Patinas are in a sense “living finishes” that respond to local environmental conditions and exposure, adding temporal richness to a building’s exterior finishes. Using its Fanuc robotic arm, Zahner explored brushing various patina chemistries onto cladding panels, prescribing speed, pressure, and orientation of the application. The results are robotically crafted patterns full of life and variation, celebrating inherent material variability and environmental response. A parametric configurator is included for exploring different brushstrokes and material finishes on cladding panels—users simply need to upload a design intent image and can visualize their design in seconds. In contrast to printed cladding surfaces, Precision Patina allows designers to retain control over the application. They can explore this overlap of automation and calligraphy, generating selectively patinated panels with nuanced colors.

Partners Healthcare Administative Campus, Somerville MA | architect: Gensler | landscape architect: OJB Landscape Architecture | photographer: Kyle J. Caldwell

Connectivity to the natural environment. Since 1994, Bison Innovative Products has led the industry in designing and manufacturing versatile pedestals, pavers, and site furnishings that offer the design exibility to create unique and beautiful rooftop environments. Our independently tested, modular deck system allows rooftop decks to be installed quickly and easily.

bisonip.com | 800.333.4234

DECORATIVE HARDWARE Mixed Metals Bit Pull Top Knobs Forge a feeling of wonder and excitement with the new mixed metals Bit series expansion. This new look shies away from the classic appearance of one-tone decorative hardware and presents an eclectic mix of 36 pieces in Top Knobs’ highly sought-after Flat Black finish, paired with the Honey Bronze or Antique Pewter finishes.

ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE PD97PT INOX INOX debuts the PD97PT, an advanced alternative in its PD97 series of commercial grade, motor-driven mortise locks for sliding doors, providing healthcare facilities and other commercial buildings with another security option for high-traffic areas. The power connects directly through the strike and into the lock motor, activating the latch and lock as soon as the door is closed, making the PD97PT the first electrified motorized lock of its type in the world. The PD97PT can be specified and installed as Entry/Office or Classroom lock functions and is compatible with most existing access control systems, including keypads and hand wave actuators. The PD97PT is tested to 25,000 cycles, ensuring commercial-grade strength. A patented antigravity winged dead bolt prevents binding, and an advanced stepper motor offers quiet operation. inoxlock.com

Top: Courtesy Top Knobs; Bottom: Courtesy INOX

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

topknobs.com

ARCHITECTURAL & COMMERCIAL LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL Sticks Vibia Sticks offers a creative tool kit for integrating light elements in an interior space. Pure and graphic, the minimalist aluminum rods transform linear light into floating sculpture. The namesake sticks rotate on their own axis, offering freedom in directing the light source precisely where desired. Sticks can be connected from wall to wall, floor to wall, wall to ceiling, or suspended from the ceiling. Through its physical form and the light it casts, Sticks creates and disrupts architectural planes, while doubling as an abstract light installation.

Top: Courtesy Vibia; Bottom: Courtesy Legrand

vibia.com

“Minimalist lighting fixtures are a dime a dozen these days. Vibia’s Sticks luminaire stands out in its scale and proportions, and for how ‘architectural’ it can be. Add it to a room and it will completely transform the ambiance.” —Adrian Madlener

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS Smart Lighting with Netatmo Legrand Legrand, a global specialist in electrical and network solutions, expands its collections of designer switches and outlets to include smart lighting solutions featuring Netatmo smart home technology. With a selection of smart switches, dimmers, and outlets, the solutions will be available from both of Legrand’s design-inspired collections—named adorne and radiant—and will leverage Netatmo technology to deliver the benefits of smart lighting control with unprecedented reliability and flexibility. Homeowners can then manage their lights and power, set scenes, create automated schedules, and much more, from anywhere, through Legrand’s intuitive Home + Control app. legrand.us

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

OUTDOOR LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL Typology Collection – Lighting Landscape Forms

landscapeforms.com

DOORS Palisades Bi-folding and Sliding Door and Wall Systems CRL The Palisades collection represents the next generation of movable wall and sliding door systems, offering the most desirable features in looks and performance. A new collection encompassing two innovative and complementary systems—the Palisades S100 Sliding Door and Wall System and the S90 Bi-Folding Door and Wall System—it offers grand scale and minimal hardware for virtually uninterrupted views, along with acoustical and thermal benefits. Whether installed on their own or together, they set the new architectural standard as the only system in the industry distinguished by a North American Fenestration Standard CW40 Performance Grade rating. crlaurence.com

“With a tendency to be bulky or cumbersome, bifolding solutions don’t always live up to the elegance of the idea. The Palisades line does, however, delivering an ultraslim frame with concealed hinges. In other words, it knows how to move out of the way.” —Samuel Medina

Top: Courtesy Landscape Forms; Bottom: CRL

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

The Typology Collection is an innovative seating and lighting system that adds dynamic new dimension to any site, enveloping the visitor—both from above and below—in an immersive design experience. The comprehensive collection includes a modular bench system, two sculptural area lights, and a corresponding path light. Systemic and adaptable, the Typology Collection lives comfortably in both new and existing architectural environments, guiding the movement of traffic and creating unique, three-dimensional spaces that invite and connect, surprise and inspire. The materials are elegant and refined, yet resilient and enduring—cast aluminum and concrete run as a common thread through the collection to create a unified visual and tactile experience. Technological advances in manufacturing and lighting integration challenge preconceptions of form and space.

Expansive Views Achieve grand scale and elegance with remarkable simplicity

The CRL Palisades™ S100 Sliding Door features ultra-slim, large scale panels that create expansive views while delivering exceptional structural and thermal performance. • Slim 1-5/16” rails and stiles • 13’ maximum frame height • 7’ maximum panel width • Frictionless sliding system • CW40 Performance Grade rating

For more information on our entire Palisades™ collection 800.458.7535 • crl-arch.com abd@crlaurence.com

WINDOWS Single Track Thermally Broken Invisible Frame Goldbrecht LLC

goldbrecht.com

SAFETY OPENINGS Model 523RX Security Shutter Wayne Dalton Model 523RX is a unique innovation that delivers real value to homeowners seeking both visibility and security. Offered in fully perforated or fenestrated patterns, Model 523RX allows for 22 percent and 24 percent open area, respectively. The door is a UL 325–listed residential exterior security shutter opener with a weather resistant motor enclosure. This feature provides benefits such as a quiet and smooth-running motor with direct drive operation of the shutter and monitored photo eyes and force detection for safe operation. The Model 523RX Security Shutter offers an aesthetically pleasing security system due to its extruded aluminum curtain, plus compact and visually appealing design. It includes a variety of finish and slat options. wayne-dalton.com

Top: Courtesy Goldbrecht LLC; Bottom: Courtesy Wayne Dalton

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

This single-track invisible frame is the only thermally broken option that is exclusively available with the Vitrocsa Invisible Wall system. This innovation allows for all the framing to be concealed on all sides: the sill, jamb, and header are all hidden, with only a single slot per track, while the track underneath the flooring material is self-draining and air- and watertight. This minimal look is maintained throughout the whole system, allowing for an almost completely invisible wall system.

CLADDING EQUITONE [lunara] EQUITONE Fiber Cement Facades Reminiscent of the surface of the moon, EQUITONE [lunara] is a large format cladding with randomized textures and a rough, unpolished, natural finish. This elevated fiber cement is a high-density material with through-color, allowing it to be cut, routed, and perforated without the need to be treated or hide edges. Designed in conjunction with architects, EQUITONE [lunara] offers limitless possibilities.

Top: Courtesy EQUITONE; Bottom: Courtesy Reynaers Aluminium

equitone.com

“With composite siding taking the industry by storm, it’s often hard for manufacturers to stand out from the pack. But that’s what EQUITONE’s new geometric [lunara] collection does. It’s as aesthetically dynamic as it is robust.” —Adrian Madlener

FACADE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS MasterWall Reynaers Aluminium MasterWall builds on the robust MasterLine 8 windows-and-doors platform, providing exceptional weather sealing performances, fabrication efficiency, and design freedom. With all the profile options that the MasterWall product offers, any different expression of the facade is possible with the standard product: punched openings, horizontal or vertical accentuation, or hybrid walls. A wide variety of opening types can be chosen from the MasterLine 8 portfolio, according to which in- and outside opening elements, terrace doors, and hidden vents best fit a project’s needs. In addition to the window and door opening types, the system is able to incorporate sliding doors. reynaers.com

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

TIMBER BUILDING MATERIALS Mass Ply Lams Freres Lumber Co. Mass Ply Lams (MPL) are made from a patented, veneer-based engineered wood product called Mass Ply Panel. MPL beams and columns are assembled in thin layers of stress-rated Douglas Fir veneer, creating a monolithic, large-format mass timber product prefabricated to exact dimensions. MPLs are strong, fire-resistant, and lighter per volume than traditional building materials such as concrete and steel. MPLs are sustainable and renewable wood products that can use trees as small as 8-inch diameter to produce panels as large as 12 feet wide by 48 feet long by 24 inches. The production of Mass Ply Panel and Lams requires a fraction of the energy that concrete and steel require, and sequesters carbon in their cells for their lifetime. frereslumber.com

STONE & CONCRETE Brise Blocks QCP This collection evokes the optimism and aesthetics of midcentury design reimagined for today’s architecture sensibilities. Brise Blocks creates opportunity for purposeful design exploration, providing designers and architects unique architectural elements for their projects that are unlike anything else on the market. They are a symbol of Southern California’s renowned indoor-outdoor lifestyle, exemplified everywhere from Hollywood bungalows to Palm Springs estates. The blocks can be rotated and put together in different configurations, random or repeated, providing the possibility of infinite patterns, lighting effects, and shadows. They’re available in a range of warm colors that reflect California landscapes. qcp-corp.com

“You might think the Brise Blocks an ersatz idea. ‘Not another inspired-by-midcentury-design so-and-so,’ you are likely thinking to yourself. But the system is versatile enough to yield pleasing results.” —Samuel Medina

Top: Courtesy Freres Lumber Co.; Bottom: Courtesy QCP

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

COMPOSITES Hardie Textured Panels James Hardie Hardie Textured Panels mark the creation of a new category in home exteriors. The fiber-cement panels can be oriented vertically or horizontally and can be mixed with a variety of fiber cement products. Modern ship-lapped joints create a sleek V-groove aesthetic that improves installation efficiency with significantly less labor time than traditional three-coat stucco. Low-maintenance fiber cement siding also offers noncombustible fire resistance.

Top: Courtesy James Hardie; Bottom: Courtesy Vitro Architectural Glass

jameshardie.com

“I like the honesty of this fiber cement panel system. It doesn’t pretend something it isn’t. This product allows for a variety of esthetic applications, and I especially like the larger scale and modularity of the panels that seem well suited to contemporary architectural expressions.” —Ken Smith

GLASS SOLARVOLT Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Modules Vitro Architectural Glass SOLARVOLT building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) glass modules combine the aesthetics and performance of Vitro Architectural Glass products with CO²-free power generation. Solarvolt BIPV can be used to enhance various components of commercial building exteriors, including balustrades, balconies, overhead glazing and skylights, facades and opacified spandrel glass—all while passively generating solar power, reducing air-conditioning costs, and replacing conventional cladding materials. To meet a wide range of design and environmental performance targets, Solarvolt BIPV modules can be used with virtually any Vitro Glass product, including Starphire Ultra-Clear and Acuity low-iron glasses, as well as the company’s full range of performance tinted glasses. Vitro’s wide offering on Solarvolt BIPV enables unique, truly customized green buildings. vitroglazings.com

C A T E G O R Y

WEATHER BARRIERS, AIR BARRIERS, & INSULATION RainScreen SA VaproShield

vaproshield.com

“RainScreen SA takes the idea of a drainage mat that we all use on foundation walls and stretches it up over the building’s facades. I haven’t used it yet, but it seems like a great way to ensure the proper functioning of a rainscreen when you have a slim build-up and don’t have space for channels or other substructure on top of your sheathing.” —Tom Wiscombe

HVAC APPLIANCES ThermaPANEL Radiant Heating System Therma-HEXX Corporation ThermaPANEL is a patented modular hydronic heat exchange system that efficiently heats or cools pedestal and ground-mounted pavers. Fully designed and engineered by Therma-HEXX, the panels are set beneath hardscapes (e.g., rooftops, pool decks, roof patios, driveways, walkways, plazas). During the winter, the system can be used to snow-melt the surface using low temp heat sources. As the sun heats the hardscape, the BTUs are absorbed by the panel. This heat transfer cools the hardscape surface while the collected energy can be used to heat domestic hot water or pool water. therma-hexx.com

Top: Courtesy VaproShield; Bottom: Therma-HEXX Corporation

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

RainScreen SA is a self-adhered Air Barrier and Weather Resistive membrane (WRB) with a built-in rainscreen drainage matrix. It protects the building envelope by allowing vapor to pass through but not air or liquid water, mitigating costly moisture damage and saving energy for the life of the building. RainScreen SA features a new aggressive adhesive that even sticks to OSB, and it can even be applied in below-freezing temperatures.

PLANNING & MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE CORE CRM BQE Software Architects finally have a smart, intuitive, and easy-touse CRM solution that empowers them to win more business and grow their existing client relationships. CORE CRM is the latest addition to the BQE CORE ARCHITECT platform: a fully integrated, native-cloud practice management platform that handles time and expense tracking, invoicing, accounting, project management, HR, and now CRM.

Top: Courtesy BQE Software; Middle: LG Electronics USA; Bottom: Courtesy Trimble

bqe.com

SMART BUILDING, SMART HOME, & AUTOMATION SYSTEMS LG NeON 2 ACe LG Electronics USA The NeON 2 ACe model, a new addition to LG’s NeON 2 lineup, is an ideal solution for both architects and installers seeking superior service and performance from an easy-to-install, highly efficient solar panel. The design of LG’s new smart AC solar system is fully integrated with LG’s own microinverter recessed into the frame of the panel. The LG NeON 2 ACe offers straightforward logistics and simple accessories. lg.com

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE SketchUp PreDesign Trimble PreDesign enables architects to test design strategies and understand how a site’s climate and environment will impact design proposals. Created to help prepare designers for the conceptual phase, PreDesign also provides the data and graphics needed to articulate and build a narrative around early-stage climate-related design decisions. By providing the climate stats and insights, PreDesign simplifies and enhances design research, giving users the confidence to propose the most viable solutions. sketchup.com

B E S T O F P R O D U C T S

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HONORABLE MENTIONS

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H O N O R A B L E M E N T I O N S

INTERIOR FINISHES & SURFACES

Obscura by Suzanne Tick Skyline Design skydesign.com Verde Fantastico Fiandre granitifiandre.com

DECORATIVE LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL

RESIDENTIAL FURNISHINGS

Candél Pablo Designs pablodesigns.com

Puffy Lounge Chair by Faye Toogood Hem us.hem.com

Elastica Martinelli Luce martinelliluce.com

The Sectional Floyd floydhome.com

TEXTILES

CSelect Fabrics for Cubicle Curtains Construction Specialties c-sgroup.com

Supreen Carnegie carnegiefabrics.com

OUTDOOR LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL Capital Griven USA griven-usa.com Stela Structura structura.com

tktktk

STELA

Honorable Mention in the Lighting + Electrical - Outdoor Category in the Best of Product Awards, Architect’s Newspaper

STRUCTURA.COM

KITCHEN APPLIANCES & PLUMBING

Series 11 Dish Drawer Fisher & Paykel fisherpaykel.com

BATHROOM APPLIANCES & PLUMBING Parallel Faucet Collection Kohler Co. us.kohler.com

HydroVive Rainhead Thermasol configurator.thermasol. com

Courtesy DEDON

H O N O R A B L E M E N T I O N S

36-inch Counter Depth French Door with Dual Reveal-Doors Dacor dacor.com

PAINT AND COATINGS Fluropon Continuum Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings industrial.sherwinwilliams.com SPARTACOTE Lux Additive LATICRETE laticrete.com

COMMERCIAL FURNISHINGS Catty Division Twelve division12.com

Fade Pair madebypair.com

CUSTOM ACOUSTICS Embossed Panel Series Kirei kireiusa.com TECTUM DirectAttach Walls Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions armstrongceilings.com

OUTDOOR FINISHES & SURFACES Artforms Belgard belgard.com

AS3000B Pre-Painted Bonded Sheet Arconic Architectural arconic.com

OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS ALUM Maglin Site Furniture maglin.com

KIDA Hanging Lounge Chair DEDON dedon.de

ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE DriftReady Stairs Construction Specialties c-sgroup.com Trex Signature Trex Commercial Products trexcommercial.com

Superior Styling and Safety Come Together with Trex Signature® Specify Trex Signature® on Your Next Project

Effortless Style and Exceptional Strength Combining sophisticated design with the unparalleled strength of aluminum, Trex Signature® railing lives up to its name by affording architects and developers the flexibility and confidence to create truly distinctive spaces.

Perfect for Commercial Settings:

Ease of Installation:

• Unobtrusive design blends with surroundings

• Pre-assembled panels

• Available in Charcoal Black, Bronze & Classic White

• Available in a variety of stock lengths

• Tiered delivery model to best meet project and

• Reduce installation time by up to 50%

customer requirements

Learn more at trexcommercial.com

Price Your Next Project Forward plans to bids@trexcommercial.com In keeping with Trex’s commitment to sustainability, Trex Signature® Railing is made from more than 50% recycled aluminum, a 100% recyclable and renewable resource. © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Trex® is a federally registered trademark of Trex Company, Inc., Winchester, Virginia

ARCHITECTURAL ELECTRICAL & COMMERCIAL SYSTEMS LIGHTING & Connectrac Flex ELECTRICAL Raceway System and illi Luxxbox luxxbox.com

Ascent Insulated Glass Unit AGNORA agnora.com

Wiremold ModPower System Legrand legrand.us

DOORS

Trifab VersaGlaze 601/601T/601UT Front Set Framing System Kawneer kawneer.com

CLADDING

AS3000B Pre-Painted Bonded Sheet Arconic Architectural Products arconic.com ProdEX Prodema USA prodema.com

Ultimate Swinging Door Marvin marvin.com

Courtesy Hem

H O N O R A B L E M E N T I O N S

STENOS Luminii luminii.com

WINDOWS

BEAUT Y AND

STRENGTH I N S P I R E D B Y N AT U R E

A B

In building design, we have always been influenced by our natural surroundings. Durable and fully recyclable, the industry’s only 3mm pre-painted bonded sheet won an Honorable Mention in the Building Façades Cladding category. The AS3000B Bonded Sheet combines the strength of aluminum with a broad spectrum of coil-coated, natural finishes including wood grain, concrete, stone, mineral and alternative metal effects.

LEARN MORE A. 1.5mm (0.059”) Aluminum Skin B. 0.16mm (0.006”) Tie layer between aluminum skins

Courtesy Luxxbox

H O N O R A B L E M E N T I O N S

STONE & CONCRETE BUILDING MATERIALS Carbon Handmade Brick Cultured Stone culturedstone.com

COMPOSITES Fortress Cladding Fortress Building Products fortressbp.com

Wildwood Composite Cladding Fiberon cladding.fiberondecking. com

GLASS

Guardian SunGuard SuperNeutral Essential 50/25 HT Coated Glass Guardian Glass guardianglass.com Precision Edge Pulp Studio pulpstudio.com

WEATHER, AIR BARRIERS, & INSULATION

SureSlope Prefabricated Tapered Products Atlas Roofing Corporation atlasrwi.com

HVAC APPLIANCES Deluxe Wall-Mounted Indoor Unit Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US metahvac.com

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE Vectorworks Architect Vectorworks vectorworks.net

SMART BUILDING, SMART HOME, & AUTOMATION SYSTEMS Moxie Showerhead & Wireless Speaker Kohler Co. us.kohler.com

FOAMULAR NGX Owens Corning owenscorning.com

Winners will be announced in the Best of Design magazine Releasing December 1, 2021 archpaperawards.com/bestofdesign

INTERIOR FINISHES & SURFACES

Blendz Patina Móz Designs mozdesigns.com

A'N Best of Products

Pedra Palazzo Walker Zanger walkerzanger.com

JIM Lodes lodes.com

KITCHEN APPLIANCES & PLUMBING Blanco Vintera BLANCO blanco.com

Courtesy Skyline Design

E D I T O R S’ P I C K S

DECORATIVE LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL

Ironridge Farmhouse Kitchen Sink Kohler Co. us.kohler.com

BATHROOM APPLIANCES & PLUMBING

Next Day Custom Linear Drains Infinity Drain infinitydrain.com Avoir Toilet Kohler Co. us.kohler.com

COMMERCIAL FURNISHINGS Framery One Framery frameryacoustics.com

CUSTOM ACOUSTICS REGUPOL Sonus Curve REGUPOL regupol.com Scanlines Turf Design turf.design

OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS Cafe Planter Series greenscreen greenscreen.com

ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE e-Genius TownSteel townsteel.com SmartEntry SL-SM9159E Self-Latching Smartphone Mortise Lock for Sliding + Pocket Doors Accurate Lock & Hardware accuratelockandhardware.com

CREATING COMFORTABLE

LIVING & WORKING SPACES

The presence of unwanted noise or vibration can be debilitating. At REGUPOL, we work side-by-side with acousticians, architects, and developers to create spaces free of unwanted sounds and vibrations. They rely on our product versatility, flexibility, and know-how to enhance the acoustic value of their projects.

800.537.8737 • REGUPOL.COM

REGUPOL sonus curve is a durable, dimpled flooring underlayment made from 92% recycled tire rubber. Shock absorbing and impact sound reducing, sonus curve is perfectly suited for commercial and residential buildings underneath hardwood, concrete, screed, and floating floor systems.

Courtesy Pablo Designs

E D I T O R S’ P I C K S

ARCHITECTURAL & COMMERCIAL LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL

CLADDING

BranchClad Branch Technology branchtechnology.com

Hilliard Chandelier Arteriors arteriorshome.com

StoVentec for Masonry Veneer Facades Sto. Corp stocorp.com

DOORS

GLASS

Ultimate Swinging Door Marvin marvin.com

Lumi Frit Bendheim bendheim.com

WINDOWS

Easy-Slide Operator Pella pella.com

WEATHER, AIR BARRIERS & INSULATION

ArmorWall Plus Fire-Rated Structural Insulated Sheathing MaxLife Industries maxlifeindustries.com

SMART BUILDING, SMART HOME, & AUTOMATION SYSTEMS Leica BLK2FLY Leica Geosystems leica-geosystems.com

Thank you to everyone who submitted projects to AN’s Best of Products Awards 2021. 3form 5MetaCom 84 Communications A ZAHNER Accurate Lock & Hardware Acuity Brands After Architecture AGNORA Alpha Dog Advertising Antenna Group Arconic Architectural Products LLC Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions Arteriors Atlas Roofing Corporation BCI Burke Company Behnisch Architekten Belgard Bendheim

BLANCO BQE Software Branch Technology Brandner Communications Brown Jordan Carissa Gerzeny Carmichael Lynch Relate Carnegie Chemetal Cherry Leaf Communications, Ltd. Chilewich Collons Communications Construction Specialties Cooper Smith Agency Cosentino CRL Crossroads Cultured Stone Dacor Datacolor Davani Group DEDON Designed by Arper in Collaboration with Gensler Division Twelve Doug Mockett & Company Dri-Design DRS and Associates DRS Worldwide Inc. Duravit Elkus Manfredi Architects Enscape GmbH EQUITONE Fiber Cement Facades Estiluz USA Fairgame A&D Marketing Falls (Communications) FastStartPR Fiandre Fiberon Fisher & Paykel Floyd Fog & Apple Formica Corporation Fortress Building Products Framery Frank Advertising Franken-Schotter GmbH & Co. KG Freres Lumber Co. G&S Business Communications

Gensler Godfrey (PR Agency for Ruskin) Goldbrecht Inc Goldbrecht LLC Good Word PR GreenHouse Digital + PR greenscreen Griven USA Guardian Glass Head & Hand PR Hem HessAmerica INC Architecture & Design Infinity Drain INOX James Hardie Jennifer Bett Communications Jennings & Company

Kawneer Keilhauer KEM STUDIO Kirei Kleber & Associates KnollTextiles Kohler Co. L.C. Williams & Associates LACAVA Landscape Forms Lapitec S.p.A. LATICRETE Legrand Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon LG Electronics USA LMO Lodes Luceplan Lucifer Lighting Company Luminii Luminis Lutron Electronics Luxxbox Maglin Site Furniture Martinelli Luce Marvin MaxLife Industries McIsaac Communications LLC Merlot Marketing, Inc. Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US modularArts Móz Designs Novità PR Ogilvy Omnia Industries Inc Owens Corning Pablo Designs Pair Paxson Fay Pella Corporation Period Media Pineapple Contracts Inc Pipitone Group (c/o PPG) Prodema USA Pulp Studio Pure + FreeForm QCP REGUPOL

Relevance International Reynaers Aluminium Rottet Collection Ruskin Seed Factory Branding Sharp Communications Sharp Think PR Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings Signature Kitchen Suite Skyline Design Somfy Systems, Inc. Sto Corp. Stone Forest, Inc. Structura Sunbrella Contract The Consultancy PR Therma-HEXX Corporation ThermaSol Top Knobs TownSteel, Inc. Trevelino Keller Trex Commercial Products Trimble Trove, Inc. Turf Design Uproar PR UpSpring PR VaproShield Vectorworks, Inc. Vibia Viking Range, LLC Vitro Architectural Glass VP+C Walker Zanger Wayne Dalton Wolf PR Wray Ward Zahner Zephyr Ventilation

For more information about the awards visit archpaperawards.com.

T H A N K Y O U

2022 E V E N T S San Francisco

Boston

Atlanta

Dallas

January 28

February 25

Philadelphia

June 7

September 8

Denver

March 8

September 21

Toronto

Chicago

New York City

Los Angeles

Austin

Seattle

March 23

April 13+14 April 27

October 7

November 10+11

December TBA

facadesplus.com